Victorian Parliament: June 10, 2014

Josh Gordon, Richard Willingham and Henrietta Cook

The Premier has finished his press conference. Before he wrapped it up he said the decision was made without political consideration.

If Geoff Shaw is suspended, the floor of the parliament will be deadlocked at 43 Government MPs to 43 ALP MPs.

Until tomorrow...

5:10pm on 10 Jun 2014

The Premier says he expects the motion to suspend Geoff Shaw to come up just before or just after question time tomorrow, so around 2pm. He has also said he'd be surprised if Labor voted against it, which may come as news to Daniel Andrews who earlier said he would NOT support it...

Denis Napthine Premier of Victoria at question time, State Parliament. Photo: Justin McManus

5:06pm on 10 Jun 2014

Still at his press conference, the Premier says avoiding a byelection was never part of the government's considerations.

It is still unclear whether Mr Shaw can vote on the motion.

"I don't have any regrets,'' Dr Napthine said when asked if he had any regrets about how the Coalition dealt with Mr Shaw since the saga began several years ago.

5:00pm on 10 Jun 2014

Dr Napthine, in response to questions, said he had not spoken to Mr Shaw since last Tuesday.

"I think this is fair and reasonable,'' Dr Napthine said.

Asked if the punishment was designed to avoid a byelection in Frankston, Dr Napthine said the punishment was consistent with other states and the Commonwealth, citing Julia Gillard repaying money after her partner used a car to travel around Victoria.

... Expulsion, Dr Napthine said, was reserved for only the most serious of offences.

If he does not apologize, "if he thumbs his nose" Dr Napthine said, Mr Shaw would have crossed the line.

4:56pm on 10 Jun 2014

Premier Napthine has said the punishment was consistent with other jurisdictions.

He confirmed Mr Shaw would be suspended for 11 sitting days, losing $386 for each sitting day he misses.

"This sets a timeline for which the member for Frankston must comply with the orders of the house,'' Dr Napthine said.

"If he doesn't comply he will be in contempt.''

4:55pm on 10 Jun 2014

The Premier's press conference continues - he says an apology is important as Shaw has shown no remorse for his actions... he also says if Shaw does not comply with the conditions he will be in contempt and will then be expelled.

4:52pm on 10 Jun 2014

The Premier says since the initial privileges committee report was tabled Mr Shaw has shown "disdain" for the the Parliament and the committee, which is why the punishment goes beyond the initial recommendations, which was a fine.

4:50pm on 10 Jun 2014

Premier Napthine says his priority is to always to govern properly for the people of Victoria which is why the budget was passed first.

"[the motion] We believe it deals appropriately and effectively with the wrongdoings."

Former Speaker Ken Smith would not comment on the government's move to suspend Mr Shaw.It is understood Mr Smith has not yet decided how he will vote, and whether he will support Labor's move to expel Mr Shaw.

4:46pm on 10 Jun 2014

Some more Twitter reaction...

Napthine determined to punish Shaw - just needs to find a nice piece of wet celery to do it with. Naughty Geoff #springst

The Premier and the Deputy Premier will address the media at 4:45pm...

4:26pm on 10 Jun 2014

To clarify, there is no mention of pay in the motion to suspend Geoff Shaw. If you are "named" the current tradition is to donate your pay to charity (this is not a law, more a parliamentary convention)...

4:22pm on 10 Jun 2014

The motion to suspend Geoff Shaw does not say how long the suspension would be for. But it is believed it would be without pay.

Premier's motion does not say how long Shaw should be suspended, that it appears would be up to the parly to decide after Fyffe "names" him